Small, women- and minority-owned businesses possess the talent, innovation and drive to succeed. However, these businesses are often at a disadvantage when starting out and then overlooked when competing against larger organizations. But Maryland is creating a state where businesses of all kinds can thrive.
Going all the way back to House Bill 64, which passed in 1978, Maryland has continued to take steps to ensure no business is left behind. One of these steps is the Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) program. This powerful resource helps these often-overlooked businesses unlock their full potential. By recognizing and validating contributions, MBE certification empowers these businesses to access new opportunities, expand their reach and make a significant impact on Maryland’s economy.
Once certified, organizations can distinguish themselves from their competitors by leveraging additional factors, including minority participation goals, which is a large appeal for state entities that have minimum requirements. Businesses are also listed in an online directory that identifies certified work and provides contact information for procurement officials statewide.
With the access and information we have today, this certification continues to grow into a unique tool that can benefit many, helping all of Maryland ensure we live up to Gov. Wes Moore’s commitment to “leave no one behind.”
Real-world impact: Success stories of MBE-certified businesses
Veronica Cool, founder of MBE-certified Cool and Associates, LLC, summarized the certification best, explaining that the MBE is a program that aims to level the playing field, allowing disadvantaged entities to participate in government contracting and procurement opportunities. While MBE certification is competitive and requires meeting certain criteria, it does not guarantee business success. Rather it simply provides access to the special "room" of certified vendors.
Several businesses have chosen to obtain certification to access these opportunities, each with their own unique journey. Cool & Associates and Eagle Lens Media are just two examples of how this innovative tool can provide business owners with additional resources to help continue the trajectory of growth.
Cool & Associates, LLC
Cool had firsthand experience with the challenges faced by minority-owned businesses. With her background as a Hispanic, female banker, Veronica recalls regularly being tapped to be the "Hispanic liaison" for various initiatives including Maryland’s Hispanic Chamber of Commerce where she first became familiar with MBE.
“I got to dive deeply into the MBE program as a banker,” Cool said. “I got to see the numbers and opportunity (the certification provides), and I was constantly tapped to deal with the disparity and the lack of participation in the program.”
With this knowledge in hand, Cool immediately pursued MBE certification when she launched a full-service engagement and outreach firm based in Finksburg, Maryland. She noted that this decision has been beneficial “since day one.”
While Cool benefits from the access MBE brings, she makes it clear that, while MBE levels the playing field, the certification doesn’t guarantee anything. Rather a business’ success remains the responsibility of each organization: “You still need to deliver and perform. It's not a favor and it's still very competitive. But it does provide a unique opportunity to participate in government contracting and procurement.”
Cool has built her positive reputation from seizing opportunities and delivering results, sharing that “Primes have invited us to bid because of our reputation. And when the government entity realizes that we're part of that bidding, the collaborative group gets higher ratings.”
Eagle Lens Media
Timothy Marshall has owned Eagle Lens Media, for 12 years. The Baltimore-based photography and videography company recently provided services at TEDCO’s 2024 Entrepreneur Expo.
Marshall originally heard of MBE when I encouraged him to investigate available opportunities for growth. After eight years in business, the pandemic hit, causing a shift in his client base and prompting him to pursue the certification.
“I really believe the work that you put into your company shows just how much value you place in your company,” he shared. “The certification gives weight, and a sense of professionalism associated with your business.”
Marshall saw the certification as an investment in his business, choosing to hire an MBE-certified accountant to help him navigate the “very rigorous” process.
Now in his fourth year of certification, Marshall encourages other business owners to remain vigilant and determined throughout the process and once certified, adding a reminder to surround themselves with like-minded business owners: “Success is in your hands…take this seriously.”
In Marshall’s experience, networking is the most valuable benefit of certification, opening doors to new opportunities like Maryland’s annual MBE night in Annapolis and forming relationships that have been invaluable for his business: “Walking into rooms that you normally wouldn't walk into, having access to network with those individuals, and being able to sit down and talk with state organizations…it’s like they have that open-door policy for you.”
TEDCO’s commitment to Maryland’s ecosystem
TEDCO’s commitment is best summarized by Marshall who noted that “there are people, companies and organizations like TEDCO that want you to win. So, they give you information and access to the right tools that can help you do just that.”
Just like how Maryland is leaving no one behind, TEDCO is dedicated to fostering a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem that embraces businesses of all kinds to give the state a competitive, sustainable advantage. While a majority of this commitment revolves around offering business resources, supportive programs and investment opportunities, another part is centered on intentionally choosing the businesses we work with. This deliberate selection helps TEDCO to practice what we preach, ensuring we consider vendors who are committed to excellence, regardless of their backgrounds and perspectives — just like the community we are helping to create.
If you qualify for this unique and instrumental certification, don’t overlook the opportunity to be a part of the journey toward a competitive and sustainable ecosystem as Maryland continues to look for new ways to live up to Moore’s commitment to “leave no one behind.”